No one has explained to me when to back-tack and when not to. These are the kinds of sewing tips and skills you need to become a proficient sewist! I am always impressed and love the no-nonsense approach, no fluff, no hand-holding, just how to sew well!
I'm glad you like the video. I'm very interested in my viewers' comments. Thanks! I learned everything you see on my videos when I worked in industry. Because industry is line assembly, many employees don't know how to do the jobs of co-workers sitting next to them. Pattern makers don't know sample making (sewing the entire garment together using industrial methods), sample makers don't know pattern making, designers don't know either, etc. I asked my sample makers to explain how they sewed. I worked were union shops and was management, so I wasn't allowed to sew on the machines, but I practiced at noon when I was "off the clock," and when I went home. I never had any false pride. I didn't pretend to know industrial sewing, as some pattern makers do. Besides, the sample makers know if the pattern makers don't know how to sew. The sample makers were really happy that I asked. I was their boss and I wanted to know how they did their job. That meant when I drafted the patterns I would know how to set the patterns up so they would be easier to sew. Its always seemed to me that a pattern maker should know how the garments will be sewn together, if she is drafting the patterns.
I am (sadly) a bachelor who is shaped so that most shirts are either way too short or too baggy, so I've taken the dive into making them myself. This is the best sewing channel on RUclips. As an engineer and machinist I really appreciate how you explain these unwritten best practices and tradecraft. I always enjoy learning from someone who is opinionated due to experience. Thank you.
Thank you so much for your compliment. You and others like you are what has kept me going all these years. My son and I plan to make another video within a month or so. It takes awhile for all the editing, etc., to be finished. But we are planning that and other videos. Plus, you can read any of the blog posts I've put up over the years. Here is the link to my blog's index: laurelhoffmann.com/index-cfe-blog/ Thanks again, Laurel
Thanks for commenting, Joyce, Featherweights sew like a dream. One can sew just about anything on them. I take mine into my classes to demonstrate. Easy to understand and use, the students see me use that machine to demonstrate and learn the lesson quickly. Featherweights are scaled down versions of the workhorses used in industry. Today the machines are computerized for speed, but they are essentially the same as the Featherweights. AND you can save electricity. If you don't turn on the switch the machine still sews. Electricity was expensive back when they were built.
One of my students just bought a Bernina. I can't wait to see it. Understand they are wonderful! My go to machine is my 260, built in the 1950s. It's a fantastic machine, designed for professionals, it is set in an industrial table and is hooked up to an industrial motor. Just picked it up from my local sewing machine store where it was overhauled. instagram.com/p/Cbk17roLel_/ It has speed and control, but is a bit noisy, the reason I demonstrate on my Feather-weight when filming.
Great tutorial. I love how you finish off the inside edge of the collar. And how you finish off the front facing seams before you sew the collar on. Can't wait to see what you do next.
Enjoyed listening to all your tips and reasoning for why certain stitching is done. I stopped doing most pinning years ago and it makes me happy that a professional agrees with that 😁 Here’s a little RUclips hint: put a link to your website in the description box of every video. I found it only because I was looking at your comments. The easier it is to find, the more visits you will get from your video downloads.
I just discovered your channel with this video, I'm your newest number 1 fan! Haha! I love your detailed explanations, and hearing from your experience is so valuable. I'm really looking forward to watching more!!
Welcome, Brittany! Thank you! Be sure to ask questions. You may also want to check out my blog - cfashionedu.com/blog/ This post explains why and what I am doing: cfashionedu.com/106-the-development-of-modern-apparel-manufacturing-methods/
Thanks! More are coming. You may also enjoy reading various posts on my blog. cfashionedu.com/blog/ The top two posts index the videos and various posts.
Thanks for the compliment, Terri! I was taught in the industry. I first worked for Ann Pakradooni on Main Line where she had a boutique like those in Paris. The shop made custom gowns for and other clothing for Philadelphia society. There I was trained by two European master tailors. I then went into the industry, working first for Alfred Angelo (wedding gown manufacturer). My first mentor was Alfred Angelo's nephew, who taught me layouts. Then I was moved into the couture department where I was promoted to assistant designer and taught by another European master tailor who was designing gowns selling for over $10,000 at Bergdorf Goodman Goodman's and Sax Fifth Avenue in NYC. I then moved to Corner House, at the time producing sportswear for young career women. I was hired as a fit model and grader trainee where I was trained by the top grader in the Philadelphia area. I was then hired by Lynne Carol as their production pattern maker where I drafted the patterns, graded them, and oversaw production - essentially running the factory. When I entered the industry I was convinced that industry was "down and dirty." But I learned that high-end industry makes beautiful clothing, which most people never see. Those procedures are what I am writing in my books. Surprisingly, the higher end the garment, as a rule the least amount of equipment needed to make it. High-end clothing can be easily made in the home with only a few simple tools and a basic sewing machine. I do it all the time. My sewing machines aren't computerized. Wherever I worked I made sure I learned as many skills as possible. Because I was management, and therefore not a member of the union, I was not allowed to sew on the sewing machines. I asked the sample makers to tell me how they sewed and they did. Off the clock during lunch I would practice on the machines. I also practiced at home, learning sample making so I would better understand how the industry sewed. Sample making is easier than the home-sewing methods currently on the market. AND, one produces professional clothing every time! I grew up on a tomato farm in South Jersey. My first teacher was my grandmother who had worked as a seamstress before she was married. Her knowledge was limited to home sewing procedures, but she had considerable design talent. After I entered the industry, she would ask me for instructions. She was very proud that I did so well. That's the story! Thanks for asking, Laurel
No one has explained to me when to back-tack and when not to. These are the kinds of sewing tips and skills you need to become a proficient sewist! I am always impressed and love the no-nonsense approach, no fluff, no hand-holding, just how to sew well!
I'm glad you like the video. I'm very interested in my viewers' comments. Thanks! I learned everything you see on my videos when I worked in industry. Because industry is line assembly, many employees don't know how to do the jobs of co-workers sitting next to them. Pattern makers don't know sample making (sewing the entire garment together using industrial methods), sample makers don't know pattern making, designers don't know either, etc.
I asked my sample makers to explain how they sewed. I worked were union shops and was management, so I wasn't allowed to sew on the machines, but I practiced at noon when I was "off the clock," and when I went home.
I never had any false pride. I didn't pretend to know industrial sewing, as some pattern makers do. Besides, the sample makers know if the pattern makers don't know how to sew. The sample makers were really happy that I asked. I was their boss and I wanted to know how they did their job. That meant when I drafted the patterns I would know how to set the patterns up so they would be easier to sew.
Its always seemed to me that a pattern maker should know how the garments will be sewn together, if she is drafting the patterns.
I am (sadly) a bachelor who is shaped so that most shirts are either way too short or too baggy, so I've taken the dive into making them myself.
This is the best sewing channel on RUclips. As an engineer and machinist I really appreciate how you explain these unwritten best practices and tradecraft. I always enjoy learning from someone who is opinionated due to experience. Thank you.
You're a great teacher you have so much sewing wisdom i enjoy learning from you. 🙂 Love your 1941.
Thank you so much for your compliment. You and others like you are what has kept me going all these years. My son and I plan to make another video within a month or so. It takes awhile for all the editing, etc., to be finished. But we are planning that and other videos. Plus, you can read any of the blog posts I've put up over the years. Here is the link to my blog's index: laurelhoffmann.com/index-cfe-blog/ Thanks again, Laurel
Nice featherweight.
I have a 1937 and a 39. Amazing little machines. Thank you great video
Thanks for commenting, Joyce,
Featherweights sew like a dream. One can sew just about anything on them. I take mine into my classes to demonstrate. Easy to understand and use, the students see me use that machine to demonstrate and learn the lesson quickly.
Featherweights are scaled down versions of the workhorses used in industry. Today the machines are computerized for speed, but they are essentially the same as the Featherweights. AND you can save electricity. If you don't turn on the switch the machine still sews. Electricity was expensive back when they were built.
Love that you are using your vintage machine......I've got about 50 of them.....still wind up using my Bernina
One of my students just bought a Bernina. I can't wait to see it. Understand they are wonderful!
My go to machine is my 260, built in the 1950s. It's a fantastic machine, designed for professionals, it is set in an industrial table and is hooked up to an industrial motor. Just picked it up from my local sewing machine store where it was overhauled. instagram.com/p/Cbk17roLel_/
It has speed and control, but is a bit noisy, the reason I demonstrate on my Feather-weight when filming.
Great tutorial. I love how you finish off the inside edge of the collar. And how you finish off the front facing seams before you sew the collar on. Can't wait to see what you do next.
Thanks, Jeannette! More is coming, that's for sure. Lrl
Enjoyed listening to all your tips and reasoning for why certain stitching is done. I stopped doing most pinning years ago and it makes me happy that a professional agrees with that 😁 Here’s a little RUclips hint: put a link to your website in the description box of every video. I found it only because I was looking at your comments. The easier it is to find, the more visits you will get from your video downloads.
Good advice! You may also enjoy reading various posts on my blog. cfashionedu.com/blog/ The top two posts index the videos and various posts.
I just discovered your channel with this video, I'm your newest number 1 fan! Haha! I love your detailed explanations, and hearing from your experience is so valuable. I'm really looking forward to watching more!!
Welcome, Brittany! Thank you! Be sure to ask questions.
You may also want to check out my blog - cfashionedu.com/blog/
This post explains why and what I am doing: cfashionedu.com/106-the-development-of-modern-apparel-manufacturing-methods/
Thanks! More are coming. You may also enjoy reading various posts on my blog. cfashionedu.com/blog/ The top two posts index the videos and various posts.
I'm a first time viewer.....You're a great teacher.....Are you from Long Island...Who taught you....
Thanks for the compliment, Terri! I was taught in the industry. I first worked for Ann Pakradooni on Main Line where she had a boutique like those in Paris. The shop made custom gowns for and other clothing for Philadelphia society. There I was trained by two European master tailors. I then went into the industry, working first for Alfred Angelo (wedding gown manufacturer). My first mentor was Alfred Angelo's nephew, who taught me layouts. Then I was moved into the couture department where I was promoted to assistant designer and taught by another European master tailor who was designing gowns selling for over $10,000 at Bergdorf Goodman Goodman's and Sax Fifth Avenue in NYC. I then moved to Corner House, at the time producing sportswear for young career women. I was hired as a fit model and grader trainee where I was trained by the top grader in the Philadelphia area. I was then hired by Lynne Carol as their production pattern maker where I drafted the patterns, graded them, and oversaw production - essentially running the factory.
When I entered the industry I was convinced that industry was "down and dirty." But I learned that high-end industry makes beautiful clothing, which most people never see. Those procedures are what I am writing in my books. Surprisingly, the higher end the garment, as a rule the least amount of equipment needed to make it. High-end clothing can be easily made in the home with only a few simple tools and a basic sewing machine. I do it all the time. My sewing machines aren't computerized.
Wherever I worked I made sure I learned as many skills as possible. Because I was management, and therefore not a member of the union, I was not allowed to sew on the sewing machines. I asked the sample makers to tell me how they sewed and they did. Off the clock during lunch I would practice on the machines. I also practiced at home, learning sample making so I would better understand how the industry sewed. Sample making is easier than the home-sewing methods currently on the market. AND, one produces professional clothing every time!
I grew up on a tomato farm in South Jersey. My first teacher was my grandmother who had worked as a seamstress before she was married. Her knowledge was limited to home sewing procedures, but she had considerable design talent. After I entered the industry, she would ask me for instructions. She was very proud that I did so well.
That's the story! Thanks for asking, Laurel
You must write a full biography. It sounds like a beautiful life story. 🎉🎉😊🎉🎉